"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Day 37 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 39,40 Matthew 24:1-22)
ENDURE TO THE END
And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.
“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:4-13 ESV)
Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the future – wars, uprisings, famines, earthquakes, tribulation, hatred, betrayal, death, and the disappearance of love. In other words, things are going to get rough as we near the end of time. In fact, as Judgment Day approaches, many are going to turn their backs on Jesus.
Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on the prize and not wander away from Him. He is the only One who promises forgiveness, life and salvation to repentant sinners like you and me. So, keep your eyes on Jesus and His cross as you anticipate the finish line.
And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(For All the Saints, Lutheran Service Book, #677, stanza 5)
Lord Jesus, thank You for opening my eyes to how things will be before You return. Please sustain the gift of saving faith given to me on the day of my baptism. And please use me to encourage others to also endure to end so that they, too, can be saved. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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